DrJimTippins

My son turns 18 in the next week. Wow how the time flies. I felt like yesterday that he was falling asleep on my tummy or we had to change diapers. We visited Liberty University last week and it was an amazing place. Yes, my son is a senior at Liberty University Online Academy. His mom and I have done our best and he is truly turning into a strong, level, mature man of God. Our job now is to keep making as many memories as we can in the time we have left with him, fulltime. What a blessing of being the father of such a great kid.

I love worship. I love to worship. So, I am a student of worship. These new worship leaders are so limited in their understanding of the possibilities of worship. It is the go to standard that a thematic worship is the only way to worship. Every song must correspond to the topic of the sermon. Even pastors have no vision of worship when they demand thematic services each and every week.  Below are 5 styles of worship to at least try sometime.

1. Thematic –This model of worship adds a rational behind its order of service.  All the elements follow a particular theme.  The theme could be wide, like Love, or it could be more focused, like Depression in Christians.  Everything within the service builds up, explains, expounds upon, and presents the particular theme chosen for worship.  A thematic format is one that is now most used in traditional and contemporary churches.

2. Progressive – A progressive style of worship takes some set progression and makes the worship experience fit.  Take for example the formula: A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, and Supplication)  The first part of the service is spent singing and praying adoration to God.  Next, we come to a time of corporate confession, either through testimonies or the Pastoral Prayer. Next we give thanks.  Thanks can be included with hymns, anthems, and even the time of offering.  After Thanksgiving, the sermon would typically be placed, which would ultimately lead into Supplication; placing our needs before God’s throne.  This is a good time for the typical Time of Commitment/Altar call.

3. Alternation –  Alternation is, in essence, a dialogue.  Vertical worship then horizontal interaction.  God speaks and the creation responds. It could also allow for a lesson from God to be followed by a horizontal encouraging of God’s directions.  Many ecclesiastical services alternate between lesson, people respond, lesson, ordinance of communion, God speaks, people respond.

 

4. Variety – Though this is called variety, you would not know it from this diagram.  Each element stands alone in the worship experience. This is comparable to a variety show, where you sit through other lesser performers and wait for the keynote speaker, the highlight of the show: the sermon.  It does not matter what the order of the preceding elements as long as everyone knows that the sermon is the most important.  You sit, then stand, sing, and then pray.  The elements are not all on the same theme.  You might sing “How Great Thou Art” and have a sermon on repentance.  Each element stands alone.

5. Conversational – (The Open Church) Imagine yourself as part of a small intimate group of Christians who have gathered to worship informally. Perhaps one person begins by commenting on a particular experience or awareness of God’s presence and greatness.  Another suggests the singing of “Purify My Heart.”  Someone then says, “I met James today, and he expressed a concern about his upcoming surgery.”  Another might say, “Let’s pray for him then.”  And so the fellowship continues.  A variety of emotions may be experienced but the elements will grow out of the preceding event as a response.  There is a thread of conversation, of statement and direction within this free-form worship style.  This form of worship works best with some sort of moderator, who helps keep control.

 

Continue reading “To Theme or Not to Theme (That is the question!)”

God wants to spend time with you,. But,there is a problem. We don’t have time in our days to set aside for God. Now a days, even students, who spend 7-8 hours a day at school, have 3 hours f homework gives little time for play, time with friends, let alone time with God.

Jeremiah 2:32 Does a young woman forget her jewelry? Does a bride hide her wedding dress? Yet for years on end my people have forgotten me.

Galatians 5:25 If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit.

Quiet time? It’s a good thing to have. We all need to have some time alone ith God to ready the Bible and pray. But would it be cool to say, except for sleep, I spend a lot of my day with God? But how can we do that with a math test sitting in front of you?  Let’s make spending time with God second nature. How?

1. When you wake up, say good morning God.
2. Standing in front of the mirror, say What do you have for me today Lord?
3. When facing the math test, say Lord, I know I needed to study more, but if you would help me that would be great.
4. When driving to a friend’s house, say Hi God, what a beautiful day. I pray for my friend and all they are going through right now.
5. Talk to God at every meal.

Make it a habit to talk to God throughout the day about everything. Yes, try to carve up some alone time with God, but sometimes it is tough. I don’t have to formally sit down and have a conversation with my best friend to continue our friendship. All we need is a text or Instagram message at least to know that we are still connected. Let’s do the same with God in our lives. At least we can acknowledge that he is with us every hour of every day.

Mardi Gras is all about indulging oneself. They drink too much, party too much, do anything their moral compass will allow them to do. Christians are not about indulging every whim, but obeying God. Loving Him and then others. Serving and giving are the trademarks of Christians, not indulgence and selfishness. This is also the beginning of Lent where people give up things in honor of Jesus giving up; his own life.

There are biblical characters who sought self indulgence over holiness.

Solomon 

¹⁰ And whatsoever mine eyes desired I kept not from them, I withheld not my heart from any indulgence; for my heart rejoiced in all my labour: and this was my portion of all my labour. Ecclesiastes 2:10 King James Version (KJV)

 Rich fool 

¹⁶ And he spake a parable unto them, saying, The ground of a certain rich man brought forth plentifully: ¹⁷ And he thought within himself, saying, What shall I do, because I have no room where to bestow my fruits? ¹⁸ And he said, This will I do: I will pull down my barns, and build greater; and there will I bestow all my fruits and my goods. ¹⁹ And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry.

²⁰ But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided? Luke 12:16-20 King James Version (KJV)

What are you struggling with? It could be language, it could be anger, jealousy, temper, it could be a number of things. Why do you think you would be having that trouble?

Let me ask this. If you have never heard the F word before. When you get hurt or angry, would you ever use that word? Never, because you never knew the word. You use it because you’ve heard it and it has stuck somewhere inside you so it can come out at time of its choosing.

Which means we have all been contaminated by the world. It’s like wearing completely white clothes. Even a speck of dirt stands out. Things from the world seek to lodge themselves in our psyche.

So, what to do? You can fill your heart and mind with God’s Word, and when you do, you’ll create a defense against some of the evil messages the world so frequently sends your way.

The writer of Psalm 119 declared, “I have tried my best to find you don’t let me wander from your commands. I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you” (Psalm 119:10-11). “Hiding” God’s Word in your heart essentially means memorizing and meditating on the Bible. God uses his Word the Bible—to speak to you and show you how you ought to live.

If you’re struggling with these things maybe it’s because you have more of the world’s wisdom in your heart than the true wisdom of God.

Another great scripture is Philippians 4:8 Whatever is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, if anything is excellent or praiseworthy think about such things.

These are the tough things that happened to us this year:

1. The 100 year flood almost got us.
2. Hurricane Matthew’s flood did get us. We were out of the house over a month. We had to have help moving things in anticipation of the flood. We still lost our storage shed, little house and garage which had been converted into a biliiard/game room.
3. I still haven’t found a literary agent.
4. Still trying to work out the final details of my mother’s and uncle’s estates.
5. Still trying to get an online presence.
6. We no longer help at Ground Zero (A youth ministry)
7. My strength and balance is still the pits.

Yet, We are truly blessed. These are the highlights of our year:

1. Jamie got his band together. (The Jamie T Band)
2. Jamie released his first album (Tidal Wave)
3. Jamie released two new singles; The Brave Soldier and The Carpenter’s Son
4. We’ve had relatively good health.
5. My son has had numerous opportunities to play, perform and lead worship
6. God has opened many doors for Jamie and it makes us so happy.
7. I booked my first three cruises as a Magical Vacation Planner.

es, we’ve had a balanced year. But, ultimately, God is in control of each year and yes, each day. If you were keeping count, it might seem to you that our cup was halfway full. We see our cup as full and overflowing. There are people so much worse off than us. WE remain grateful that we are so blessed. Happy New Year.

 

Yeah! September means cooler temperatures, decreased traffic in Myrtle Beach, and lots of Fall Festivals. In the north, the leaves change colors. In Disney World the temperature drops to the point where it is fairly comfortable.  A new month, a new season.

2 Corinthians 5:17 says, Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come.

We are new creatures in Jesus Christ, but we are still plagued by sin. It is like owning a white tee shirt. You wear it and it is gpoing to get dirty. You have to wash it to return it looking new. We are new, but how can we, as Christians, continue to loopk new each and every day? I would recommend three things to keep thing new in our lives.

1. Repentence. This cleans us completely and fully. This is the first step to staying new.
2. Fill. We need to be full of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is our power source for living.
3. Walk. We need to follow Jesus. Follow His example, obey is commands, and discern His leading.

These three things, if utilized in our lives will keep us clean and fresh in our Christian lives as we seek God’s will and grow His kingdom.

You have all heard the axiom, “It’s not how good you are, it’s who you know?” As my son is trying to become a concert artist, it seems as though I am just banging my head on the wall when trying to get in contact with people in media, churches, or other wide-reaching ventures. I have run in this problem with my getting my books into people’s hands, like I am running into getting my son’s band booked.

I could write the best piece ever written, but if my name is not Stephen King or Beth Moore, my material is not even looked at. And it’s not just the publishers, its the literary agents too. I have to have a following of at least 20,000 before my material will even be considered. Likewise, I have slowly been working toward getting the Jamie T Band music out there. I can’t even get a return email from some media outlets that are basically local interest shows. Not even the consideration of a reply. To the defense of these fine folks, they probably are bombarded with thousands of requests, books, music, etc…

So, how does one get that BIG break? I know other authors and musicians feel the same. You just have to pray and hope and keep at it. Your goals and dreams are admirable, so don’t ever give up on them. Because, ultimately, man is not in charge of your success, GOD is.

What’s your biggest pet peeve? Snoring? Picking teeth? People smoking in an enclosed space? Mine is simple: respect. I hate disrespect. I remember when I used to substitute teach. The younger kids: 1st – 5th grades looked up to you. The High Schoolers just sort of ignored me, like I wasn’t worth their time. But the Middle School students were disrespectful little monsters towards a substitute teacher. This new generation, with all the hate that comes out of the news, television, and social media are being affected by this vitriol.

Everything is about confrontation today. I am even part of a collective of ministers. I am amazed at how many topics are off subject because people confront because of their strong opinions, or interpretation of Scriptures. No patience. No compassion. No soft words. No peacemaking. This is not a condemnation of all younger people. But there is a trend that is obvious for all to see. No respect for elders. No respect for the President or elected officials. No respect (or tolerance) for differing opinions. No respect. I sound like Rodney Dangerfield.

My encouragement. Stay away from confrontation, be a peacemaker. Diffuse situations, pray for others. Respect others opinions and put yourself in their shoes. Try to understand them and realize Satan wants us all to respect nothing or no one. RESPECT…..

We have a sixteen year old son. We have chosen to be involved in his life. He can do what he wishes when he turns eighteen or after he moves out of the house. BUT, until then we are going to all up in his business. Sixteen years old is NOT grown up. Teens can make bad decisions and don’t always understand the consequences of their actions.

What I am fed up with are these parents who say with all sincerity: “We have chosen to let them live their own lives.” Or, “They have to learn to make their own decisions.” Really? I know parents that imposed rules upon their teens and then just turned a deaf ear when their teen breaks those rules. What? Yes, some rules may be modified if a teen has proven their trustworthyness. Yet, this trust should only extend in small amounts. Not out of trying to stifle your teen, but protect them.

When I was a teen, my mother made me give up a relationship I had built with someone with a horrible reputation. I protested and got angry, but I did what I was told. I look back and I know my mother did what she did to protect me. Now a days, parents won’t get in their kids business. I’ve seen parents justify inappropriate social media, inappropriate relationships, underage dating, relationships where the outsider does not respect the parents.

I believe that this lack of being up in your teens business is why so many have difficulties today. So, my advice to you parents is be all up in your kid’s business. They will look back and respect you for your actions today.